Plan C – Play Again (Digital/CD Album – Afterfurcht)
After a promising debut EP and single, the Belgian act Plan C is back in action with their debut album “Play Again”. Spearheaded by the duo of Mika Goedrijk (This Morn’ Omina, Nebula-H, Sygo Cries, Les Nuits Blanches, etc.) and Olivier Moulin, aka ‘Specteur’, the band delivers an 11-track opus full of no-nonsense songs.
Plan C remains a rather atypical act within the Belgian scene. At times, they resemble more of an American band, where Electro is driven by guitar riffs, making comparisons to KMFDM quite fitting. These are also the strongest tracks on the album—tight, direct, with straightforward lyrics and occasional flashes of humor, such as the playful use of a Boney M sample, all underscored by heavy rhythms and punchy guitar riffs. The distinct sense of rhythm and dynamic drive—hallmarks of Mika Goedrijk’s production—work particularly well in this context.
On the other hand, some songs lean more heavily into a purely Electro direction, aiming for a darker atmosphere. While these tracks contribute to the album’s overall diversity, they—and the lyrics—tend to feel more rudimentary and are less compelling in comparison.
The album also includes previously released tracks from the debut EP & single, featuring the particularly strong collaboration with Gin Devo (Vomito Negro).
In short, “Play Again” is an interesting debut with several standout songs, though there are also moments where the potential feels less fully realized. (Rating:7½).
Listen to “Fight Of Flight”:
https://planc3.bandcamp.com/track/fight-of-flight
I have been working for over 30 years with Side-line as the main reviewer. My taste is eclectic, uncoventional and I prefer to look for the pearls, even if the bands are completely unknown, thus staying loyal to the Side-Line philosophy of nurturing new talents.
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